Exploring rural Nurses' preparedness and post-resuscitation experiences. An ethnographic study

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Rural Health
• Emergency Care

Background:

• Rural nurses face unique challenges in resuscitation preparedness and the post-resuscitation period.
• Existing training may not adequately address the realities of rural emergency care.
• Understanding nurses' lived experiences is crucial for improving support systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To ethnographically explore rural nurses' experiences with resuscitation preparedness.
• To investigate rural nurses' experiences during the post-resuscitation period.
• To identify areas for enhanced training and support for rural nurses.

Main Methods:

• Ethnographic study conducted in two rural hospitals in New South Wales, Australia.
• Over 240 hours of nonparticipant observation, journalling, and interviews.
• Reflexive thematic analysis of collected data.

Main Results:

• Nurses reported varying 'Sense of Preparedness' influenced by experience, training, and lack of warning.
• The 'Aftermath' theme revealed nurses' approaches to 'Getting on with it' and 'Making sense of the resus'.
• Identified gaps in training and the need for contextually relevant education.

Conclusions:

• Resuscitation preparedness and post-resuscitation experiences are intricately linked to rural nurses' well-being.
• The post-resuscitation period offers a valuable learning opportunity to enhance preparedness.
• Improved policies and work processes are needed to better support rural nurses in resuscitation.